Criminal Defense for Controlled Substances in Erie, PA

If you have been charged with a drug offense, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney to assist you through the criminal justice system. Drug offenses most commonly prosecuted include: Possessing a Controlled Substance, Possessing Drug Paraphernalia; Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance; Possessing a Controlled Substance with an Intent to Deliver. These common offenses often can result in suspension of driving privileges, fines from $5,000.00 to $250,000.00 and imprisonment from 1 year to 15 years.

If you were arrested for a drug offense in Erie, Crawford, Warren, Venango or Mercer Counties, contact Carney & Good to discuss your case. Our attorneys will help you learn what you need to know to protect yourself and your record. Attorney Brian D. Arrowsmith can help you fight for the best possible outcome regarding your drug offense.

What are controlled substances?

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Controlled substances are various types of drugs that federal and state governments consider to be available only through a valid prescription. There are different categories or "schedules" of drugs in order to classify how dangerous they are capable of being.

What are the different schedules of drugs?

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Schedule 1 classification includes substances, drugs, or chemicals that have no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Examples include heroin, LSD, and marijuana.
Schedule 2 classification includes drugs, substances, or chemicals with a high potential for abuse but less than schedule 1. Abuse of schedule 2 substances have a high potential of leading to psychological or physical dependence. Some examples include cocaine, methamphetamine, methadone, and adderall.
Schedule 3 classification includes drugs, substances, or chemicals with a moderate or low potential for physical or psychological dependence. Some examples include codeine, ketamine, and testosterone.
Schedule 4 classification includes drugs, substances, or chemicals with a low potential for abuse and low risk of dependence. Some examples are Xanax and Valium.
Schedule 5 classification includes drugs, substances, or chemicals that consist of preparations containing limited quantities of certain narcotics. Generally, they are used for antidiarrheal, antitussive, and analgesic purposes.

What is possession of a controlled substance?

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Possession of a controlled substance occurs whenever a person owns or otherwise possesses a drug or other illegal substance. It's important to note that some legally available drugs, such as prescription medications, qualify as controlled substances, and possession charges are possible if the person possessing the medication does not have a proper prescription.